Centre for Sustainable Engineering

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Academic Members

Dr Balcombe

Dr Paul Balcombe
MEng, PhD, CEng, MIChemE, FHEA

Reader in Chemical Engineering and Renewable Energy
Specialises in developing unique technology-specific, probabilistic emissions/cost modelling of energy supply chains, particularly relating to methane emissions from natural gas, as well as hydrogen and ammonia supply chains.
Email p.balcombe@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Sir Bhadeshia

Prof Sir Harry Bhadeshia
FRS FREng FIMMM

Professor of Metallurgy
I work on the theory of solid-state phase transformations with emphasis on the prediction and verification of structural development in complex metallic alloys, particularly multicomponent steels. Theory for the interaction of hydrogen with iron and its compounds. Subjects covered: physical and chemical metallurgy, steels, phase transformations, mathematical modelling, design of alloys, materials algorithms. Development of freely available teaching resources in metallurgy.
Email h.bhadeshia@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Boek

Dr Edo Boek
PhD

Reader in Chemical Engineering and Renewable Energy
Research in the group of Dr Edo Boek focuses on sustainable energy and earth resources engineering. Our group investigates novel technologies to help solve pressing environmental problems including 1) sustainable drinking water treatment, in particular PFAS ("forever chemicals") remediation, by developing novel nano-materials, and using foam fractionation, advanced filtration, fluidised bed reactors, QCM, AFM, Molecular Dynamics simulations, and image analysis; 2) separation and harvesting of nutritionals, biofuels and pharmaceuticals from cultivated micro-algal suspensions; 3) Geothermal Energy Engineering, incl. development of sustainable and HTHP stable colloidal drilling fluids; 4) smart design of carbon materials for electrochemical devices, including Redox Flow Batteries, using pore-scale imaging and reactive multi-phase flow modelling.
Telephone +44 (0)7590 250570     Email e.boek@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Briscoe

Prof Joe Briscoe
MSci (Hons), PhD, FHEA, CSci, MIMMM, MInstP

Professor of Energy Materials and Devices
My group's research is focused on the use of thin films and nanostructured materials for renewable energy applications, including: semiconductor photocatalysts, photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) & solar fuels; photovoltaic devices; ferroelectrics for solar energy conversion; piezoelectric energy harvesting. We have a particular interest in the use of polar (ferroelectric & piezoelectric) materials and nanomaterials in these devices with expertise in solution-based synthesis of materials, material characterisation and device fabrication and testing, including flexible devices.
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 3552     Email j.briscoe@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Buchan

Dr Andrew Buchan
BSc MSc PhD,

Senior Lecturer in Engineering Science
Dr Andrew Buchan is senior lecturer in Engineering Science, Queen Mary University of London, and honorary lecturer Imperial College London. He specialises in computational methods for multi-physics modelling of radiation, fluids flow and heat transfer with applications to nuclear engineering, environmental flows, pollution dispersion, UVC light for disease control in air and chemical removal in drinking water. He 20 years experience in academia, has won over £8 million in research funding including an EPSRC early career research fellowship focusing on predictive modelling of nuclear reactors.
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 6087     Email a.buchan@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Busfield

Prof James Busfield
FREng, MA, PhD, CEng, FIMMM, FHEA

Professor of Materials
Examining the physical behaviour by experiment and modelling techniques of polymers and soft matter such as elastomers and rubber materials. Properties of interest include abrasion, friction, fracture, creep, fatigue, viscoelastic behaviour, modulus enhancement, self healing, recycling, ageing and composite filler reinforcement. Developing smart soft materials that can sense their environment and soft actuating materials that can change shape in response to a physical stimulus.
Email j.busfield@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Bushby

Prof Andy Bushby
BSc(Eng), PhD, FIMMM, FRMS, MInstPhys

Professor of Materials Science
Understanding how materials are stronger when at small size scales: This behaviour is being commercialised in the spin-out company 'Ultima Forma' in advanced engineering applications such as the protection of composites from harsh environments such as heat and erosion damage, and containment of hydrogen for clean energy and zero carbon transport. Materials characterisation: such as micromechanical testing and 3D electron microscopy.
Email a.j.bushby@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Crespo-Ribadeneyra

Dr Maria Crespo-Ribadeneyra
PhD, MRSC, MMRS

Lecturer in Green Energy
The overarching aim of my research is to make the manufacture of energy materials sustainable; from using renewable feedstocks to introducing compliance and self-regenerating properties to the materials and architectures to enhance their lifespan. My vision encompasses a material-agnostic, multi-length scale redesign (material, cell and device) to enable long-lasting battery components for the transition to a net-zero energy economy.
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 3119     Email m.ribadeneyra@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Crick

Dr Colin Crick
PhD

Senior Lecturer in Materials Science
Research group leader in the development of Novel Functional Materials, focusing on the engineering of surface chemistry and morphology for targeted applications. This includes; water repellent materials, water purification, anti-biofouling and self-cleaning surfaces. Expertise encompasses a wide range of materials and coatings synthesis methodologies, advanced characterisation techniques, and performance benchmarking. Dr Crick works closely with a range of commercial and academic partners to target real-world impact.
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 6886     Email c.crick@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Cullen

Dr Patrick Cullen
MChem, PhD, FHEA

Senior Lecturer in Renewable Energy
My expertise is in synthesising scalably made nanomaterials and embedding them into energy devices for increased performance. These include devices such as Li-ion batteries, Na-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells. I also develop novel operando techniques for probe the materials in energy devices as they work. My work takes place in the lab at Queen Mary or at neutron or synchrotron X-ray sources such as ISIS and Diamond.
Telephone +44(0)20 7882 6596     Email p.cullen@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Eisner

Dr Flurin Eisner
PhD, MSci, FHEA

Lecturer in Green Energy and Sustainable Engineering
My main area of research is on organic-semiconductor based solar energy conversion devices, which can be dissolved in solution to form a solar ink that can be easily painted on substrates like plastic; for example to make low-cost and lightweight solar panels. My work involves trying to gain an increased understanding of the underlying physics of how they work in order to find ways to improve the performance of such materials and devices. My other interests also include other renewable technologies, such as producing green hydrogen by solar-powered water splitting.
Email f.eisner@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Fenwick

Prof Oliver Fenwick
MA MSci PhD FHEA MIMMM MIOP

Professor of Electronic Materials
Developing materials for electronic devices such as LEDs, transistors and thermoelectric generators. The materials include organic semiconductors, carbon materials and halide perovskites, as well as self-assembled monolayers for the control of interfaces in devices. I have a particular interest in thermal measurements, controlling nanoscale morphology and self-assembly to tune functional properties.
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 3150     Email o.fenwick@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Grasso

Dr Salvatore Grasso
PhD, MSc, FHEA, Royal Society Industry Fellow

Senior Lecturer in Ceramics
Dr. Salvatore Grasso is a senior lecturer in ceramics at QMUL (250 publications, 28 patents, > 10 000 citations, h-index=54). He is an Editor of the European Ceramic Society and he is also an associated editor of the American ceramic society. During his career, he received seral prizes including: Pfeil Award, best paper in the journal of the Asian ceramic society and best PhD thesis (Japan). His research is focused on ceramics processing using non-equilibrium conditions. His vision is to develop better materials by using less energy and without need for critical elements. He develops geological inspired compaction (lithification) to improve the sustainability in ceramics manufacturing. With analogous motivation, he became a leading researcher in materials processing assisted by intense electric and magnetic fields (see www.magmat.uk). Electricity is a noble form of energy, the inherent accurate control of the power dissipation during firing, can remarkably reduce inherent heat losses and carbon footprint. The increased complexity of the sintering routes matches the degree of sophistication required to fabricate the next generation functional ceramics. He is currently Editor of the European Ceramic Society, Associate Editor of both the American ceramic society and International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology. Keywords: Functional ceramics for energy: Fuel cells and solid state batteries Sustainable manufacturing: Ultra-fast high temperature sintering and Cold sintering Advanced material processing: Strong magnetic field alignment, Field Assisted Processing, Thermal shock synthesis
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 2773     Email s.grasso@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Huijberts

Prof Henri Huijberts
MSc PhD(Twente, Netherlands) PFHEA CMath FIMA

Professor of Engineering Science and Education
Nonlinear control systems, nonlinear dynamics, chaos, synchronisation, robotics, engineering and mathematics education, educational leadership, digital education
Telephone +44 (0)20 78869     Email h.j.c.huijberts@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Sir Humphreys

Prof Sir Colin Humphreys
CBE, FREng, FRS, BSc, MA, PhD, Hon DSc, FIMMM, FInstP, FCGI, Hon FRMS

Professor of Materials Science
Graphene and graphene electronic devices, from basic science through to manufacturable graphene devices. Advanced electron microscopy. Gallium nitride materials and devices, for example LEDs.
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 3450     Email c.humphreys@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Ismail

Dr Ahmed Ismail
BSc, MSc, PhD, FHEA

Lecturer in Fluid Dynamics
My work focuses mainly on multiphase flow in micro-scale. This includes capillary jets, microdroplets and also electrohydrodynamics. The main objective of my research is to understand the physics in such small scale and then use this knowledge to develop different technologies . I use experimental tools such as high speed imaging, theoretical approaches such as dimensionless analysis and development of scaling laws, and numerical methods to tackle challenges that arise from industry in areas such as 2D printing, additive manufacturing and micro-encapsulation. Keywords: Electrospray, Direct Printing, Microfluidics, Drops & Bubbles, Microencapsulation, Capillary jet.
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 6272     Email a.ismail@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Jiang

Prof Xi Jiang
PhD, CEng, FIMechE, AFIChemE

Professor of Mechanical Engineering
The expertise of Prof Jiang is primarily in Energy/Environmental Engineering Applications, using Advanced Modelling/Simulation for energy utilisation and decarbonisation. The Applications include: Cleaner combustion utilisation of alternative and sustainable fuels; Combustion under extreme conditions; Geological carbon storage; Internal combustion engines and gas turbine combustors; Thermal management of batteries and computers/servers. The Modelling/Simulation techniques include: Big data analytics for energy utilisation applications; Digital Twin for marine engine decarbonisation / digitalisation; High-performance computing (HPC) for thermofluid applications; Large-eddy simulation / direct numerical simulation for fluid flow, heat transfer and combustion; Machine learning (with applications to fuel property and combustion emission predictions); Molecular dynamics simulation; (Multi-scale) modelling of flow in porous media; (Simplified) engineering modelling approach: 1D modelling of heat transfer applications.
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 5009     Email xi.jiang@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Jorge Sobrido

Prof Ana Jorge Sobrido
PhD, FHEA, FRSC, MIMMM

Professor of Sustainable Energy Materials
Prof Sobrido's research focuses in the development of new sustainable materials for energy storage and conversion applications. Her group develops new materials, mostly in the freestanding form, for devices including redox flow batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells and water electrolysers. Some of the synthesis and processing techniques include electrospinning and 3D printing. Her group is also interested in developing materials for CO2 conversion and photoelectrochemical water splitting.
Email a.sobrido@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Karimi

Dr Nader Karimi
BSc, MSc, PhD, FHEA

Reader in Mechanical Engineering
My research focuses on Thermofluids, with a particular emphasis on Sustainable Energy and Fuels. This encompasses a broad range of investigations into climate-neutral fuels and thermal management in energy technologies. Specifically, our ongoing work includes the production and utilisation of hydrogen, biosyngas, ammonia, and other e-fuels. Additionally, we are involved in projects aimed at enhancing heat and mass transfer in chemical reactors, process equipment and electrolysers to improve their performance. My research also includes the modelling and optimisation of hybridised energy systems. Members of my research group engage in computational and data-driven modelling, as well as experimental studies, at both fundamental and applied levels.
Email n.karimi@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Li

Dr Zhe Li
MPhys, PhD, FHEA, FRSC

Reader of Materials Science
The research of my group is focused on the development of high performnce, high stabiltiy and environmentally friendly solution processed semiconductors and devices for photovoltaic applications and beyond. We have a particular interest in understanding the materials structure-function-stability-exotoxicity relationships of solution processed organic, perovskite and quantum dot semiconductors and utilise such relationship to develop sustainable solar cells and other types of optoelectronic devices.
Telephone 020 7882 6887     Email zhe.li@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Liu

Dr Haibao Liu
BEng, MEng, PhD, FHEA, MRAeS, MIMMM

Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering
Dr Haibao Liu specialises in the experimental characterisation and damage prediction of composite materials for structure applications. His current focus is on developing high-fidelity experimental and numerical approaches to assess the performance of composite materials and structures under extreme conditions.
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 8732     Email haibao.liu@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Livingston

Prof Andrew Livingston
BEng(Hons) MSc(Economics) PhD CEng FIChemE FREng FRS

Vice-Principal (Research) and Professor of Chemical Engineering
Molecular Separations. Membrane fabrication, membrane characterisation, membrane transport processes, membrane process simulation. Chemical and biochemical processes. Synthesis of exact polymers, including oligonucleotide therapeutics, peptides, PEGs and Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC). Membrane processes in organic systems. Organic Solvent Nanofiltration (OSN). Defined monomer sequence synthetic polymers. Polymer therapeutics. Scale up of chemical processes. Scale up of membrane fabrication processes. Creation of new technology platforms for oligo synthesis, peptide synthesis, advanced ADC, PEGylation of biopharmaceuticals.
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 3006     Email a.livingston@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Lu

Dr Xuekun Lu
BSc, PhD, FHEA

Senior Lecturer in Green Energy
My research group focuses on (1) revealing the interplay between 3D microstructure and the performance/failure mechanisms of the electrochemical energy devices (e.g., lithium-ion batteries, fuel cells etc) across multiple spatial and temporal domains using correlative operando characterisation techniques (X-ray CT, ptychography, XRD-CT, FIB-SEM, optical microscopy, etc); (2) multiscale multiphysics modelling (continuum and 3D microstructure-resolved) of the mass transport and electrochemical performance at the electrode, device and system level; (3) developing scalable and sustainable engineering solutions to fabricate advanced electrodes with tunable microstructure to unlock the full potential of the energy, power density and cycle life of next-generation lithium-ion batteries.
Email xuekun.lu@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Mueller

Dr Jens-Dominik Mueller
Dipl-Ing, MSc, PhD

Reader in Computational Fluid Dynamics and Optimisation
Computational Fluid Dynamics, Fluid-Structure Interaction, Biofluids, Shape Optimisation, Adjoint methods, Mesh adaptation, Sensitivity Analysis, Systems Engineering, Data-driven modelling
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 5421     Email j.mueller@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Papageorgiou

Dr Dimitrios Papageorgiou
MSc, PhD, MIMMM

Senior Lecturer in Materials Science
My research interests lie in all aspects of the relationships between structure and multifunctional properties of polymers and composites. My work also explores the application of strain on nanomaterials and nanocomposites for the understanding of their deformation mechanisms, their intrinsic mechanical properties and their phase changes under strain. By incorporating concepts of materials science, physics, chemistry and biology, my research targets several technologies that will impact our society in the future such as high-performance nanocomposites, bio-based polymers and composites, energy generation and storage, sensitive sensors and actuators.
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 2650     Email d.papageorgiou@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Park

Dr Jae-Hwan Park
PhD, FHEA

Senior Lecturer in Engineering Management
National Strategy on Sustainable Development, Economic and Industry Strategy, Data Sharing Systems, Systems Innovation, Industry Transition, Regional Development, Technological Innovation, Digitalisation, Ecological Governance
Email jae-hwan.park@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Paykani

Dr Amin Paykani
PhD, FHEA, CEng, MIMechE

Lecturer in Sustainable Propulsion Systems
Combustion engineering, Zero/low carbon fuels, low-order modelling, Machine learning, thermal management
Email a.paykani@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Pugno

Prof Nicola Pugno
MSc PhD

Professor of Materials Science
Bio-inspired, Bionic, Nano, Meta Materials and Mechanics (including Fracture Mechanics, Solid Mechanics, Structural Mechanics, Tribology, Wettability, Adhesion, Scaling laws, etc.)
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 6310     Email n.pugno@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Reece

Prof Michael Reece
BSc, PhD, PGCE, MIMMM, FECerS

Professor of Functional Ceramics
Processing and electromechanical properties of functional materials, including ferroelectrics, thermoelectrics and high entropy ceramics
Email m.j.reece@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Shaheed

Dr Hasan Shaheed
PhD (Sheffield), PGCAP (London), SFHEA, MIEEE, CEng, MIET, NTF

Reader in Robotics and Renewable Energy
Design, model developments, control and optimisation of autonomous, robotics and renewable energy systems using traditional, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) approaches. Application areas include i) Aerial/ Solar Aerial robots for inspection/ monitoring, ii) Medical Robotics: Capsule robots for GI tract inspection, Surgical robotic retractor, iii) Assistive Technologies: prosthetics, elderly care robots, iv) Remote inspection/handling robots, v) Renewable Energy Systems: PV, Wind turbine, Pressure retarded osmosis, vi) Renewable energy-driven water treatment, vii) Expert systems. AI/ML approaches include deep learning, reinforcement learning neural networks, fuzzy logic, and biologically inspired optimisation techniques: GAs, Whale Optimisation, Grey Wolf Optimisation, etc.
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 7520     Email m.h.shaheed@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Shoop

Dr Karen Shoop
BA MSc PhD

Senior Lecturer in Design
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 8014     Email karen.shoop@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Slavchov

Dr Radomir Slavchov
BSc, MSc, PhD

Lecturer in Chemical Engineering
(i) Adsorption of surfactants and electrolytes; (ii) capillary shapes, capillary flows, wetting, biomechanics; (iii) theory of surface electric phenomena; (iv) chemical physics of mixtures, quadrupolar solvents, fuel chemistry; (v) combustion engines.
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 8938     Email r.slavchov@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Smoukov

Prof Stoyan Smoukov

Professor of Chemical Engineering
My interests and expertise are in growing material robotics - programming matter as inspired by nature, to produce microscopic micro-robots that are both multifunctional and autonomous. We are developing sustainable manufacturing methods for bottom-up assembly from molecules, using phase transitions in confined geometries, the artificial morphogenesis process we have discovered for producing regular geometric shapes. Our work spans experiments in colloids and interfaces, molecular dynamics simulation of phase transitions, drug delivery platforms, as well as studying the fundamentals of the origin of life.
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 5305     Email s.smoukov@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Tanner

Prof Elizabeth Tanner
OBE, FREng, FRSE, PhD (Hon Caus), MA, DPhil, FIMMM, FIMechE, FIPEM, CEng, CSci

Bonfield Professor of Biomedical Materials
My research interests are in the development, testing and use of biomaterials for bone and joint replacement. In particular composites of bioactive ceramics and polymers which can encourage bone ongrowth yet have sufficient mechanical properties to be used for load bearing applications. These are based on either non-degradable or degradable artificial or natural polymers depending on application. In parallel I have interests in the mechanical properties of bone and the effects of pathology on these properties.
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 6785     Email k.e.tanner@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Volpe

Dr Roberto Volpe
PhD

Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering
I design pyrolysis and gasification experiments to study the fundamental aspects of biomass thermal decomposition. My expertise ranges from the investigation of the pathways to thermo-chemical breakdown of solid biofuels to the synthesis of gaseous/liquid energy vectors and renewable carbon materials for catalysis and environmental applications such as water remediation.
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 7748     Email r.volpe@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Vukusic

Dr Sulafudin Vukusic
BSc, MSc, PhD, PGCAP, FHEA

Senior Lecturer in Materials Chemistry
Polymer Science, Chemical Education, Engineering and Materials Education
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 2963     Email s.vukusic@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Wang

Prof Huasheng Wang
BEng MSc PhD FHEA MInstR

Professor of Thermofluids Engineering
Dr Wang's research interests are in the areas of enhanced heat transfer, condensation, boiling, solid-liquid phase change heat transfer, measurement method, molecule dynamics simulation, multi-scale simulation, advanced refrigeration (magneto-caloric, electro-caloric and bar-caloric refrigeration), sustainable thermal energy systems and intelligent buildings.
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 7921     Email h.s.wang@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Yan

Dr Haixue Yan
PhD, PGCAP, CEng, FIMMM and FRSC

Reader in Materials Science and Engineering
My research aims to understand the relationships between structures and properties of functional materials including dielectrics, piezoelectric and ferroelectrics. By studying these relationships, we can design and develop materials with optimised properties for different applications.
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 5164     Email h.x.yan@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Zhang

Dr Han Zhang
MEng, PhD, PGCAP, FIMMM, FHEA, CEng, CSci

Reader in Polymers and Composites
Han's expertise in the field of composites ranges from manufacturing to characterization of advanced composites and nanocomposites, with a special focus on multifunctional composites for future lightweight structural applications. His current research is dedicated to the sustainable development of advanced composites. This includes energy-efficient sustainable manufacturing, integrated health monitoring, and easy repair functions to extend the life of components.
Telephone +44 (0)20 7882 2726     Email han.zhang@qmul.ac.uk

Centre Associates